THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Set sail across the Chesapeake Bay to Maryland’s only inhabited offshore island. Discover charming villages, local cuisine, and coastal scenery with Smith Island Cruises—a perfect day trip for water lovers.
Set sail across the Chesapeake Bay to Maryland’s only inhabited offshore island. Discover charming villages, local cuisine, and coastal scenery with Smith Island Cruises—a perfect day trip for water lovers.
Book with Smith Island Cruises
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Smith Island Cruises · Crisfield, Maryland
The Chesapeake Bay, stretching along Maryland’s southeastern coast, offers a treasure trove of maritime adventure and scenic beauty. Among its most captivating excursions is the Crisfield to Smith Island Day Trip, offered by Smith Island Cruises. This 50-minute cruise whisks travelers across the bay to Maryland’s only inhabited offshore island, Smith Island, a place where rural charm and coastal history collide.
Once ashore, visitors have 2.5 hours to immerse themselves in the island’s laid-back atmosphere. The quiet village of Ewell features historic homes, quaint shops, and fresh seafood shacks serving local catch. Be sure to try the storied Smith Island Cake, a multi-layered treat that’s become an iconic symbol of the island’s culinary tradition. The natural surroundings—flat marshlands and saltwater shores—are perfect for wildlife spotting, with seabirds soaring overhead and crabs scuttling across the mudflats.
Smith Island’s maritime culture dates back centuries, with local legends echoing the island’s role as a hub for watermen and fishermen. The trip offers not only a taste of this rich history but also an escape into the serene Chesapeake landscape. The perfect short getaway, this cruise combines the thrill of a boat ride with authentic rural charm, making it a standout in Maryland’s outdoor scene.
Whether you’re into wildlife, history, or simply enjoying coastal views, Smith Island Cruises makes discovering this unique island both accessible and memorable. This trip is ideal for families, couples, or solo adventurers looking for a waterside experience that captures the true spirit of the Chesapeake.
Moderate.
6–8 hours.
Moderate fitness required; participants should be comfortable with outdoor activity.
Yes, reservations are recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your spot on the cruise.
Absolutely, the cruise and island exploration are family-friendly, though supervision is advised for younger children.
You’ll have approximately 2.5 hours on Smith Island to explore, eat, and relax.
Yes, public restrooms are available in the village of Ewell.
Yes, you’re welcome to bring snacks, but there are also local eateries offering fresh seafood and baked goods.
The area is excellent for spotting seabirds, eagles, and crabs, especially during low tide and early morning or late afternoon.
Smith Island has been home to watermen and fishermen since the 17th century, with a rich maritime heritage preserved in local traditions.
The island community actively participates in salt marsh preservation and sustainable fishing practices to protect the fragile ecosystem.
Smith Island Cruises operates scheduled passenger boat services and excursion packages from Crisfield and Point Lookout to Smith Island, Maryland’s only inhabited offshore island. The company specializes in day trips and packaged experiences that combine scenic Chesapeake Bay crossings with on-island time for dining and exploration. Typical offerings include a Crisfield to Smith Island Day Trip, a point-to-point cruise that includes a roughly 50-minute crossing and about 2.5 hours ashore in the village of Ewell to browse local shops, sample seafood, and taste the island’s signature Smith Island Cake. Additional packaged options include Captain Tyler’s Cruise & Crab Feast from Point Lookout and from Crisfield, both of which pair a two-hour bay cruise with a seafood feast served at the Bayside Inn on Smith Island. These packages emphasize relaxed sightseeing, regional cuisine, and time to visit the cultural center or waterfront. Smith Island Cruises relies on consistent departure points—Crisfield and Point Lookout Marina—clear trip descriptions, and partnerships with local businesses such as the Bayside Inn to create reliable guest experiences. Safety procedures for passenger boarding and vessel operation comply with standard local maritime practice, and schedules are published for seasonal service. Reservations are recommended for packaged feasts to ensure seating at island restaurants. Bookings are available seasonally with options for private charters and group inquiries by phone, email, online.
Book with Smith Island Cruises